Page 115 of The Spider Queen
You’re more than my ticket to freedom,he repeated.You’re my chance at really living.
You had a life before you were imprisoned,I pointed out.
He sighed.I had a life of duty and obligation. I will have that again when I’m free, but—
What, Thane?I demanded in exasperation.
You cannot leave me, you’re the only person that has ever given me hope.
I opened my eyes.
Three heads appeared over me. Two I recognized, the third I didn’t.
Hunter got on one knee and helped me into a sitting position. Maggie brought me a towel and draped it around my shoulders.
I was on the cold tile floor of the bathroom, attempting to piece together what had just happened.
“Poppy—”
“I’m okay. I think. I need just a—”
“You’re not okay,” Hunter growled. “You almost drowned.”
“Not almost. I did,” I corrected.
Hunter rose, his eyes darting between Maggie and the silver-haired man I didn’t know. “I thought you said the house was completely warded.”
“It is,” Maggie breathed. “Itwas.”
Her face was pale, and even though I was the one who had drowned, she appeared more shaken than me. Stunned with the realization that her haven was no longer safe. I knew how that felt. It was clear I was being tracked.
Hunted.
Maggie and the silver-haired man exchanged a look. “I didn’t feel a ripple,” he explained.
“Ripple?” I asked. My throat was scratchy, and I wanted something to drink.
The man looked at me with striking golden eyes. “I cast magical wards. Our house and land are under the protection of the wards. I am supposed to feel when there’s a disturbance,” he explained. “I’m Seamus. Maggie’s husband.”
I nodded. “I assumed. You’re a witch, too?”
“Warlock,” he corrected.
I looked at Hunter. “I felt like someone was pushing me under the water and holding me there. How did you know—”
“Thane,” Maggie interrupted. “I felt Thane’s presence. I ran to you and called for Hunter—”
“And I got you out of the tub,” Hunter finished. “We set you on the floor and…” He looked at Maggie. “I don’t even know what I saw.”
Maggie said something to Hunter, but I had tuned them out.
Did you save me?I asked Thane.Were those your hands on my heart?
Yes.
Thank you.I closed my eyes and sighed.
You don’t have to sound so disgruntled about thanking me.
